Most of us would have been happy before Saturday started if you told us we would emerge from the day with a split. Yet after beating Zack Wheeler in the opener, a split did not feel at all like a great outcome. But after taking the opener by an 8-2 score, the Mets fell in the nightcap, 4-1.
The Mets’ offense produced 10 hits and seven walks in the first game but only three hits and four walks in the second. They managed just two hits against Bailey Falter, who confounded them over six innings. They couldn’t touch Jose Alvarado. At least they had some baserunners against David Robertson but they couldn’t push a run across in his two-inning save.
It was a much happier result in the first game.
It was a scoreless tie until the fifth inning, when the bottom of the order came thru. Jeff McNeil, who had terrible results lifetime versus Wheeler, opened things up with a single. Tyler Naquin, who had struck out in eight straight at-bats, drew a walk. After a Brett Baty groundout advanced both runners, Michael Perez got his first hit as a Met, a two-run single.
The Mets added two more runs off Wheeler in the sixth inning and a four-spot against the bullpen in the ninth.
McNeil and Starling Marte had three hits apiece. The duo each scored a run, with Marte driving in one and McNeil plating two. Brandon Nimmo had two doubles and a walk, while Francisco Lindor had a triple and two runs scored.
While he did not get the win, Trevor Williams pitched four scoreless innings in the opener, lowering his season ERA to 2.84 in 69.2 IP. As a free agent at the end of the year, he’s never mentioned as one of the guys the team needs to re-sign. But he’s been a major asset for the club this season.
Missed their chance in the 1st inning when Castellanos caught McNeil s liner with thr bases loaded. A bit softer contact there and its at least 3-0. Peterson showed some grit keeping the game close despite traffic. The Braves keep beating everyone other than the Mets. Since June 1 they are 47-13 against MLB. 5-7 against the Mets.
Gut Reaction: Game #1, Williams was the highlight. He is a Valuable Player on the team. He will be 31 yoa and he want to again start in a MLB rotation. Starting is where his earning power is and the Mets don’t have an opportunity to accommodate his desire.
McNeil is hot. Naquin is not, although he still has a 125 OPS+ with the Mets.
Game #2 ended when Castellanos robbed McNeil in the first. That was the Mets last gasp . Peterson has improved since last year. He could a the 5th starter in the 2023 rotation.
If Butto pitches competitive this afternoon then they might win the series. That would be nice. LGM